Thread: Need help with a Chinaberry Hollow form

Quote: Originally Posted by Ken Fitzgerald Bill, I have run into the same problem with a couple of mine. One thing I learned from some better turners than I. Buy some black acrylic paints and paint the inside black. It can hide some of the imperfections. Now I like that idea. I might just try it. Thanks

That's a nice vase Bill. I think Bernie's suggestion of power sanding disc on an extension rod should work. Motor gently at first to avoid damaging the inside of the neck with some unexpected grabby motion.

The best way I have found for removing that type of tear out is an Eliminator type tool, which is straight shaft and a carbide disc, or the Hunter tools. Most hollowing tools are scrapers, except when they are at a 45 or so degree angle where they do a fairly good shear cut. There are roughing cuts as well as finish cuts. Roughing cuts are with scraper tips flat, great for removing bulk. Finish cuts are with the cutter at a 45 degree angle,...

For an end-grain turning, I thought the inside bottom looked pretty good. LOL I'll have to use that flat black paint idea.

If you have a wide mouth that will fit a 2" or even a 1" power sanding disc that would work for the bottom. You may need a extension to reach it. Normally I make sure the inside is sanded before I remove it to finish the outside bottom. I sand with sheets as far as my finger will reach then use a long forceps that has sandpaper wrapped around steel wool. Most generally I only go to about 150 (100, 150) grit as my tool work is...

Bill, I have run into the same problem with a couple of mine. One thing I learned from some better turners than I. Buy some black acrylic paints and paint the inside black. It can hide some of the imperfections.

Bill - nice vase! Any time you turn end grain you are going to have challenges getting a smooth surface when hollowing the inside bottom area. Even if you could get at the bottom easily - you would have a lot of work ahead of you to get it really smooth. Ken has the best idea of applying a dark stain or paint to the inside of the form. Just make sure that it has a flat sheen to it or it will highlight all the imperfections. DAMHIKT Nice work!...